515 of the
2,977 complaints about the 2011 Ford F-150 are about the
engine — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
50,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. While driving 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear and the rear wheels locked up. The contact stated that while in third gear, the vehicle shifted to fourth gear unexpectedly. The transmission failed to shift above fifth gear. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift out of first gear. After turning off the vehicle, the vehicle resumed normal operation. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the wrench symbol was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the sensor. The transmission sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The failure persisted over time. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2017 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V248000 (Power Train). The manufacturer declined to provide any additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 159,599.
NHTSA complaint #11755860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MOCrash
ENGINE
Made a complete stop and vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and could not stop.
NHTSA complaint #11748976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
De Soto, MO
ENGINE
I've sent earlier not sure if it went through transmission dropingvout of gear at any time putting my. Life in danger, and family, hope I don't end up needing a lawyer if a major fatality happens
NHTSA complaint #11737185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middleboro, MA
ENGINE
The display will show a wrench icon and check engine light. The transmission will suddenly downshift and lose power. The RPMs will either rise or remain the same but unable to accelerate. The wheels will intermittently lock up. This occurs at high speeds on the highway and on back roads at slower speeds. Stopping the tuck, shutting it off and turning it back on will "reset" and it will run ok but the timing between incidents is intermittent. There is a recall for this issue however the dealership (Greico Ford in Raynham) refuses to make the repairs, instead telling me this is no longer covered by recall: Transmission molded leadframe extended coverage [XXX] Today was the latest event, however this has been ongoing since December 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11683953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,456 milesChatsworth, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unintendedly downshifted to first gear, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart and reset. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an output shaft speed sensor failure. The contact was informed that the transmission lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 133,456.
NHTSA complaint #11652148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesClarksville, TNCrash1 injured
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 15 MPH and making a left turn, in the middle of the turn, the instrument panel turned off, and the vehicle jerked forward before losing automotive power. The contact was not able to clear the intersection in time and the vehicle crashed into another vehicle on the passenger’s side. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled over onto the driver’s side. The contact was thrown halfway through the window while the vehicle was flipping over onto the side of the vehicle, and the contact lay underneath the vehicle. Soldiers arrived at the scene and lifted the vehicle to release the contact out of the driver-side door. The air bags had deployed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The contact was unaware if a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained a crushed pelvis, six fractured ribs, and nerve damage. Medical attention was required for the injuries. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11643389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White Lake, MI
ENGINE
I have a wrench 🔧 showing up in the screen, the gears downshift,the gears shift from 3 to 6
NHTSA complaint #11635252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crete, NECrash
ENGINE
Transmission, shifted into 4th gear and would not shift out of 4th, Take the truck and inspect it if need be! Safety of my self and others as truck down shifted to 4th gear while driving speeds of 45mph, shot rpm’s over 6k. Problem has not been reproduced yet as of today 11/23/2024 Component wasn’t inspected by any option listed above but was mentioned in the NDOT accident report attached. No symptoms or warning likes before it appeared. Truck has NO warning lamps on including but not limited to check engine light or abs.
NHTSA complaint #11627058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to respond as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated, with an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact shifted to neutral to allow the vehicle to come to a stop on the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain had fractured, and a part of the timing chain was stuck to the lower engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer for a secondary diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #11623877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon Park, FL
ENGINE
Purchased TRUCK at Gus Machado of Kendal Mia Fl. Informed dealership of downshifting transmission issues, I was told "there's No recall on my vehicle ", its normal that new truck has as breaking in period. AT 10,000 miles- Drove to Gus dealership for TRANSMISSION ISSUES, NO RESOLVE -AT 70,679 miles - 01/11/17 Drove AGAIN to Gus dealership, for severe engine and transmission issues. Dealership noted severe engine problems. Insurance.& warranty rep. and Ford rep. arrived at dealership and AGREED that ORIGINAL engine was BAD. Insurance would cover repair cost & Engine was replaced. R/O [XXX]-AT 71,429 miles 04/18/17, Drove to Gus Dealership noted my Transmission concerns, found driveshaft to be slipping and issues addressed. Transmission continues to date to be problematic. I researched ford forums and found that several ford owners also have similar Transmission Issues and FORD has recalls on Transmission, ONLY MY VIN ISN'T ON recall R/O [XXX]- 93,868 miles 05/28/19 Drove to Bill Jarrett FOR RECALL 19N01, In less than 15 minutes truck was returned INFORMED COMPUTER had to be reprogrammed. 11/19 I returned to Miami for surgery &treatment at the Miami VA. Truck continued to downshift, so I went into Gus dealership and they explained the recall fix. I was told there are no recall on transmission and eventually Transmission would streamline. AT 156,000 miles- Since reprograming truck has been double downshifting/bucking in first gear, which I have been stating to Ford dealership since purchase IS A SAFETY CONCERN. To date NO LIGHTS ON DASH DISPLAYS OF Transmission, but BUCKING/DOWNSHIFTING CONTINUES (A SAFTY CONCERN). 05/17/24, I called Ford and stated my concerns. I was told to go into dealership to have it checked. 05/18/24 went to Bill Jarrett where my concerns was noted. They Informed that there is NO RECALL on my truck and I would have to purchase a new transmission for$ 7,000.00. Filed complaint with Better Business Bureau INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
NHTSA complaint #11621127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Des Moines, IA
ENGINE
My engine went out at 120,000 miles, had to get my engine replaced
NHTSA complaint #11617506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLogansport, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. In addition, the contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11617541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesCroswell, MI
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The check engine and another unknown warning light were illuminated. The tachometer and speedometer were inoperable. The contact pulled over, and the transmission remained stuck in first gear. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine and determined that the transmission position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11608976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plantation, FL
ENGINE
My truck start to accelerate by itself and the light indicator goes crazy from parking to gear 1 From there the truck it can be controlled
NHTSA complaint #11602934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centerville, UT
ENGINE
There is an active recall for my specific year/make/model - yet I'm being told it doesn't apply to my vehicle - but my vehicle is absolutely having the exact issue described in the recall. How do I get this resolved? The issue is that my vehicle will unexpectedly downshift, (I believe into first gear, based on the RPM's that I get stuck at) almost always while I am driving at freeway speeds. When this happens, an orange wrench appears in my dashboard warning indicator for a brief moment, then I lose all gauges - my digital displays literally just turn to blank dashes as I lose power and the ability to accelerate. My gauges all drop to as if the vehicle isn't even on, my speedometer displays "--" and my RPM's remain at approximately 1500 regardless of whether I try to accelerate or decelerate. If I decelerate, because I'm in the improper gear for the speed I'm traveling - I will not be able to accelerate. The only way for me to resolve the issue is to try and find somewhere to safely pull over, put the vehicle in park, turn the engine off, wait a few moments and then restart the engine. This happens without warning and at random. Sometimes multiple times in a day, sometimes not at all for a couple of weeks. I don't understand how my vehicle is exempt from the recall. This has been ongoing for several months now. Thank you for your consideration
NHTSA complaint #11601527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesWestville, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission unintendedly downshifted to first gear with the transmission warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal soon after restarting the engine. The contact stated that the RPM's revved to 3,000 or 4,000 RPM while driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and remained in the dealer possession for over a month. The dealer later diagnosed the vehicle with a defective timing chain. The timing chain was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11600113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Chester, OH
ENGINE
My truck is doing exactly what the recall on all the others. Check engine light on for input shaft speed sensor. Speed odometer quit working then engine light came on for speed sensor. Now when you drive on highway it will be fine then all of a sudden throw a wrench light and truck goes into limp mode and barely moves. You stop turn it off it resets but still isn’t right it doesn’t seem to shift at proper times seems to be shifting to often.
NHTSA complaint #11599525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesAbilene, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into reverse, the gear indicator failed to display the gear position. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle several times, the gear shift indicator resumed normal operation. The check engine and service engine warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesBristow, VA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the speedometer became inoperable, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shifted sluggishly into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shifted into first gear unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring increasingly, causing the vehicle to accelerate or decelerate unintendedly. The dealer and several independent mechanics were contacted and informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission leadframe and the valve body; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11586283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesRuffs Dale, PA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking noise that increased to an abnormal knocking noise. While driving, the vehicle lost pressure. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
NHTSA complaint #11580843 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hortense, GA
ENGINE
The vacuum pump recall was replaced in 2016 and it’s bad again. I have the emissions warranty with ford I am 6 owner the other 5 owners were resale so I get the one time lifetime emission warranty. the truck is doing all kinds of crazy stuff
NHTSA complaint #11570009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
ENGINE
Timing chain broke
NHTSA complaint #11562941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesKlickitat, WA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into first gear and became stuck in the first gear. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and restart the vehicle after multiple attempts. The check engine and wrench warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesCollege Grove, TN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter stated when she pressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and then stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
NHTSA complaint #11550273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 192,088 milesEden, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals and the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the body control module (BCM) or to the engine control module (ECM). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 192,088.
NHTSA complaint #11549338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesWheaton, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle down shifted independently with the check engine and power train warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and shut off the vehicle. After several attempts the contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle would only shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the molded leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty on the vehicle had expired and advised to contact NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11538999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dothan, AL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving for an extended period in humid weather, condensation would build up around the intercooler. The moisture around the intercooler then got sucked into engine combustion chamber resulting in engine misfire. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11534530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMetropolis, IL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that at start up, he heard a rattling sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and camshaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11532937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMetropolis, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that at start up, he heard a rattling sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and camshaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11532937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesJacksonville, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle inadvertently downshifted and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under warranty and referred the contact to contact the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11532021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.